Tasik Cermin among three new high-risk tourist hotspots identified in Perak

Tasik Cermin in Ipoh, Perak.

IPOH: The Perak Fire and Rescue Department has identified three new high-risk tourism locations in the state, says its director Azmi Osman.

He said the three locations are Tasik Cermin, Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge, and Tasik Banding.

However, Azmi said unlike the other two locations, Tasik Cermin in Gunung Rapat has yet to be officially recognised as a tourist destination by the state authorities.

“However, the place has become a popular filming area, and tourists have been visiting to snap photos due to its beautiful landscape.

“People have been visiting the place due to word of mouth, as well as its ‘promotion’ on social media, ” he told reporters after the department’s annual parade celebrations.

Tasik Cermin or Mirror Lake, a hidden gem, is a lake surrounded by limestone karst towers, and it was reported recently that some 10 underwater caves were discovered beneath the lake by cave divers.

Azmi said a visit at the lake showed that a raft on the lake was not safe, as there were no life jackets and other safety equipment.

“We will continue to warn tourists there on the dos and don’ts. Because the place is officially not declared a tourist spot, no proper safety infrastructure has been installed.

"As for Tasik Banding, we are planning to build a fire post there to respond swiftly in any emergencies.

“As for the dredge, although there have been no incidences reported there, we will continue to provide advice to tourists, and the operator on the safety aspects, ” he said.

Azmi said besides the three spots, there were 16 other existing tourist hotspots including beaches, waterfalls and rivers, that are under constant observation by the department, especially during the holidays.

On another matter, Azmi said a safety report by the department on Pulau Pangkor's duty-free status had been forwarded to the Mentri Besar.

He said the island was generally safe to receive a larger amount of tourists.

“We have ensured proper water pumps, and the deployment of more fire personnel to the station there, as well as providing proper vehicles to be used in the narrow streets there, ” he added.